Which animal's venom is used in prescription painkillers?

A:

Quick Answer

The cone snail contains a venom that has been used to generate painkillers. On its own, the venom is incredibly deadly and is capable of instantly paralyzing one of this small animal's victims, including humans. However, when properly processed, components of this venom can be used to generate medication that numbs pain receptors.

Painkillers made from the cone snail's venom have been available to medical patients in the United States since 2004. According to National Geographic, these painkillers are not only more powerful than morphine but also pose none of the risk of addiction caused by that drug.